It’s no secret that Australia has perfected it’s café culture. The simple combination of a good breakfast and even greater coffee is one of our greatest exports in recent times. Brunch and a batch brew? Avo toast and a flat white? Here’s our quick-fire hitlist of the best cafés in Australia right now, according to our Gourmet Traveller 2020 Restaurant Guide.
Adelaide
Classic pastry technique and modern tweaks with a Venice Beach aesthetic.
What to order: Outstanding sfogliatelle.
78 Pirie St, Adelaide, (08) 7099 2210
Come for the expert barista work, stay for the all-day menu that features a whopping three-cheese and ‘nduja toasted sandwich.
What to order: Whatever the Aeropress calls for.
1-3/12-18 Vardon Ave, Adelaide, 0415 966 225
Top-notch beans from quality farms around the world, brewed in a sunny open-plan warehouse space.
What to order: Filter coffee.
9-17 Young St, Adelaide, 0450 066 216
On-site roasting ensures that whatever ends up in the cup is always a cut above the rest.
What to order: The Traffic Stopper.
191 Wright St, Adelaide, (08) 8410 7408
Brisbane
A speedy, no-fuss authentic Vietnamese café using premium produce and offering plenty of vegan options.
What to order: The ultra-flavourful vegan pho chay.
15 Cracknell Red, Annerley, (07) 3255 9778
This good-looking CBD laneway bolthole under-promises yet over-delivers.
What to order: The crumbed pork rillettes burger.
50 Burnett Ln, Brisbane, (07) 3161 7966
Tightly run Scandinavian-leaning neighbourhood café that’s several notches above the competition.
What to order: The aptly named Forest Floor.
31 MacGregor St, Wilston, 0458 159 945
Canberra
A popular, pocket-sized pit stop flaunting great flatties and stellar cold brew.
What to order: Mushroom congee.
59/30 Lonsdale St, Braddon, 0423 100 814
The home of coffee guru Saša Šestić’s world-beating brew.
What to order: The Black Betty blend.
1/1-13 University Ave, Canberra
Hobart
Equal parts inventive and dependable.
What to order: Scrambled silken tofu.
338 Elizabeth St, North Hobart, (03) 6231 0508
The Art Deco Mercury building is home to Hobart’s best bread and pastries.
What to order: The lemon tart.
32 Argyle St, Hobart
Melbourne
Attitude-free coffee fanaticism complete with ethically-sourced, house-roasted beans and a couple of pastries.
What to order: Espresso, filter or pour over.
247 Flinders La, Melbourne, (03) 9417 5578
Indulgent brunch (duck and burrata in the mix), plus great coffee and cocktails.
What to order: Lobster Benedict.
10 Katherine Pl, Melbourne, (03) 9078 5992
Multi-tasking café, produce store and wine shop in a marble and stone foyer.
What to order: The porchetta roll.
161 Collins St, Melbourne, (03) 9639 8264
Best croissants in the country and then more precision-baked goods to paralyse the decision-phobic.
What to order: The almond croissant.
119 Rose St, Fitzroy
Cheese toasties and other cheeserelated eats from Melbourne’s premier cheese guy, Anthony Femia.
What to order: Swiss raclette toastie.
Stall 25, Prahran Market,163-165 Commercial Rd, South Yarra, +61 413 900 490
Katsu sandos (classic pork and beyond) and excellent coffee to boot.
What to order: Your call – crumbed pork, chicken, wagyu or prawn.
Level 2, 260 Collins St, Melbourne
Perth
This “coffee concept store” takes caffeine very seriously.
What to order: The $7 all-you-can-drink tasting is tailor-made for coffee geeks.
041 Welshpool Rd, Welshpool, (08) 6162 1034
Pastries? Recovery breakfast? Your daily bread? This Perth favourite – via its many outlets – has you covered.
What to order: Cheese on toast.
507 Beaufort St, Highgate, 0499 509 300
Sydney
A move two doors down and a striking re-design have reinvigorated this Sydney breakfast institution.
1What to order: Those ricotta hotcakes.
359 Crown St, Surry Hills, (02) 9360 4762
Thai classics and Western twists collide at this all-day café-cum-grocer offshoot of the Chat Thai empire.
What to order: Pandan custard croissant.
1/425 Pitt St, Haymarket, (02) 9281 2114
Some of the city’s best bread and standout coffee in a compact corner spot.
What to order: The almighty bacon sandwich.
206 Cleveland St, Chippendale,(02) 9698 7880
Mecca remains a benchmark for coffee connoisseurs.
What to order: Any of their impeccable roasts in filter or espresso form.
26 Bourke Rd, Alexandria, (02) 9698 8448
Freshness wins the day at this Newtown newcomer, where everything’s under $20.
What to order: The seasonal salads.
Shop 1/131 Wilson St, Newtown
The tight space is always cramped for a reason – reliable café fare done right.
What to order: Avocado on toast doesn’t get much better.
10 Llankelly Pl, Potts Point, 0432 445 342
4The newly renovated Surry Hills stalwart now sports a DIY batch-brew tap bar.
What to order: The Gone Bush breakfast.
60-64 Reservoir St, Surry Hills (02) 9211 0665
Annual Restaurant Guide
